Biological Risks of Using Non-Thermal Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Fields

Evaluation of electric field (E) exposure levels and its relationship with the sleep quality of residents around the BTS antennas in Sabzevar, Iran

Mobile devices and base transceiver station (BTS) are the main sources of human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of exposure to RF-EMF in three different time intervals and three different distances from BTS antennas in Sabzevar. Additional goals were to investigate the electric field (E) difference between different microenvironments, between the suburbs and downtown, and evaluating the sleep quality of residents around BTS antennas at different distances. The results showed significant differences between the values of E Avg and E max Avg at different times (T1, T2, and T3), different distances (50, 100, and 300 m) from BTS antennas, and between BTS antennas located in the suburbs and downtown. No significant differences were observed between the values of E Avg and E max Avg in terms of microenvironments. Poor sleep quality (>5) was recorded in the residents around the BTS antennas at different distances, and a significant difference was observed between the sleep quality of the residents at a distance of ˂100 m compared to the residents at a distance of ˃300 m. The recorded levels of E in all places and times were below the human safety limits set by the Iranian National Standardization Organization, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, indicating the absence of potential risk due to exposure to E in the study area.

Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative

The many different voices speaking into the current narrative surrounding the health effects of 5G technologies necessitate an exploration of the background of the various published author-spokespersons and their potential motives. This has been attempted recently by de Vocht and Albers. However, that opinion piece used a narrow investigative lens, resulting in an undermining of both the rationality of the concerned general public and the motives of specific researchers. At the same time, biases, conflicts of interest, and flaws found in "independent" reviews were not considered. To address these oversights, an evidence-based appraisal of public opinion and the scientific caliber of authors involved in the 5G health discussion is warranted. Subsequently, this review article presents an analysis of the available Australian data representing public voices, while also conducting a broader investigation of the level of expertise of recent author-spokespersons based on their experience as scientists, particularly in the area of health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. This review thus attempts to more clearly illustrate for the reader the caliber and motives of the voices speaking into the 5G narrative. The article concludes with a set of questions that need to be answered to enable scientists to advise policy makers more effectively on matters of 5G and public health.

Exercise ameliorates hippocampal damage induced by Wi-Fi radiation; a biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, using electromagnetic devices (EMD) has been increased. However, the control of EMD hazards was poorly evaluated, especially those affected the hippocampus. Regular physical exercises are safe, easily, inexpensive, and acceptable for long-term use. It is reported that exercise protects against many health problems.

AIM

is to investigate the hypothesis of the possible prophylactic effect of exercise on the hippocampal damage induced by electromagnetic waves of Wi-Fi.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II (exercise), group III (Wi-Fi), and group IV (exercise -Wi-Fi). Hippocampi were subjected to biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTS

In group III, a significant increase in the oxidative enzymes as well as decrease in antioxidant enzymes were detected in rat hippocampus. Additionally, the hippocampus showed degenerated pyramidal and granular neurons. An evident decrease in both PCNA and ZO-1 immunoreactivity was also noticed. In group IV, physical exercise alleviates the effect of Wi-Fi on previously mentioned parameters.

CONCLUSION

Regular physical exercise performance significantly minimizes the hippocampal damage and protects against the hazarders of chronic Wi-Fi radiation exposure.

Wireless technology is an environmental stressor requiring new understanding and approaches in health care

Electromagnetic signals from everyday wireless technologies are an ever-present environmental stressor, affecting biological systems. In this article, we substantiate this statement based on the weight of evidence from papers collated within the ORSAA database (ODEB), focusing on the biological and health effects of electromagnetic fields and radiation. More specifically, the experiments investigating exposures from real-world devices and the epidemiology studies examining the effects of living near mobile phone base stations were extracted from ODEB and the number of papers showing effects was compared with the number showing no effects. The results showed that two-thirds of the experimental and epidemiological papers found significant biological effects. The breadth of biological and health categories where effects have been found was subsequently explored, revealing hundreds of papers showing fundamental biological processes that are impacted, such as protein damage, biochemical changes and oxidative stress. This understanding is targeted toward health professionals and policy makers who have not been exposed to this issue during training. To inform this readership, some of the major biological effect categories and plausible mechanisms of action from the reviewed literature are described. Also presented are a set of best practice guidelines for treating patients affected by electromagnetic exposures and for using technology safely in health care settings. In conclusion, there is an extensive evidence base revealing that significant stress to human biological systems is being imposed by exposure to everyday wireless communication devices and supporting infrastructure. This evidence is compelling enough to warrant an update in medical education and practice.

Overview of biological effects of melatonin on testis: A review

Infertility is a major global health issue and male factors account for half of all infertility cases. One of the causes of male infertility is the loss of spermatogonial stem cells, which may occur because of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or genetic defects. In numerous animal species, the evidence suggests the pineal gland and melatonin secretion in their reproductive activities are involved. Recently, considerable attention has pointed to the usage of melatonin in the treatment of diseases. Melatonin is associated with the regulation of circadian and seasonal rhythmic functions, immune system functions, retinal physiology, spermatogenesis and inhibition of tumour growth in different species. Several studies demonstrated that melatonin acts as an anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant agent. Melatonin can also protect testicles and spermatogonia against oxidative damage, chemotherapy drugs, environmental radiation, toxic substances, hyperthermia, ischemia/reperfusion, diabetes-induced testicular damage, metal-induced testicular toxicity, improve sperm quality and it affects the testosterone secretion pathway by affecting Leydig cells. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the biological effects of melatonin as a natural antioxidant on testicles and their disorders.

Microwave Radiation Influence on Dairy Waste Anaerobic Digestion in a Multi-Section Hybrid Anaerobic Reactor (M-SHAR)

Whey is a primary by-product of dairy plants, and one that is often difficult to manage. As whey processing units are costly and complicated, only 15–20% of whey is recycled for use in the food industry. The difficulties in managing waste whey are particularly pronounced for small, local dairy plants. One possible solution to this problem is to use advanced and efficient digesters. The aim of this study was to present an innovative multi-section hybrid anaerobic bioreactor (M-SHAR) design and to identify how microwave radiation heating (MRH) affects methane fermentation of liquid dairy waste (LDW) primarily composed of acid whey. The MRH reactor was found to perform better in terms of COD removal and biogas production compared with the convection-heated reactor. The heating method had a significant differentiating effect at higher organic load rates (OLRs). With OLRs ranging from 15 to 25 kgCOD∙m−3∙d−1, the M-SHAR with MRH ensured a 5% higher COD removal efficiency and 12–20% higher biogas yields.

The protective effect of melatonin on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of mobile phone-induced testicular damage in an experimental mouse model

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile devices has undesirable effects on the male reproductive organs. Melatonin with antioxidant potential can help to prevent these damages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of melatonin on testicular damage induced by RF-EMR of mobile phone. In this experimental study, 32 adult male BALB/c mice were divided randomly into four groups: control, melatonin (2 mg/kg, for 30 consecutive days, intraperitoneally), RF-EMR (900 MHz, 100 to 300 MT, 54 to 160 W/m) (4 hr per day, whole body) and melatonin + RF-EMR groups. One day after the last prescription were evaluated oxidative stress parameters, testosterone level and histopathological assays of the testis. EMR of mobile phone led to the induction of oxidative stress, testicular tissue damage and decreased testosterone. Treatment with melatonin improved oxidative stress parameters such as MDA and GSH, and testis injury score, increased the thickness of the germinal epithelial thickness and diameter of the seminiferous tubule, and decreased testosterone hormone in the EMR-exposed mice, and these differences were significant(p < .05). Data showed that melatonin with its antioxidant property can decrease oxidative damage induced by RF-EMR of mobile phones on testis tissue.